Handbag alarm system

ABSTRACT

A handbag alarm system for handbags which are closed by a clasp, including an alarm electrically coupled to a direct current source, an on-off deactivating switch, and a pressure responsive switch to provide positive and reliable actuation of the alarm, indicating unauthorized opening of the handbag.

United States Patent 1191 Tucci et al. M l l July 1, 1975 [54i HANDBAG ALARM SYSTEM l,288 909 lZ/l9l7 Jones 380/280 UX 1.730.745 /1929 Pucek 340/280 UX [761 Inventors; f Rldfie 2,797,405 6/1957 SlCliCl 340/230 10549L9W1 I 3239,1558 3/1966 CflSiaidO v v 200/6158 R Canlalupl, 79 Beaumont Circle 3,579.222 5/1971 Freeman H ZOO/61.62 x Yonkers, NY. lO7lO 221 Filed; 19, 1973 Primary Examiner-John W. Caldwell Assistanr Examiner-William M. Wannisky [2 H Appl' 426053 Arrorney, Agent, or FirmMorgan, Finnegan, Durham & Pine [52] US. Cl. 340/283; 150/47; 240/ P;

200/6 l 15 7 ABSTRACT [5 l] Int, Cl. G08b 21/00 [58] Field of Search 340/280, 283; /47; A handbag alarm System for handbags which are 200 153 R, 1 2 135; 109 43; 00; closed by a clasp, including an alarm electrically cou- 42 240 45 1) 0 5 pled to a direct current source, an on-off deactivating switch, and a pressure responsive switch to provide 5 References Cited positive and reliable actuation of the alarm, indicating UNITED STATES PATENTS unauthorized opening of the handbag.

l,l48,773 l/l9l4 Helmers 109/43 8 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures minimum. m Q 096 sum 1 Z4 ALARM I FIG.2

1 HANDBAG ALARM SYSTEM The present invention relates to alarm systems, and more specifically to a handbag alarm system for use with handbags employing a clasp to effect closing. The work clasp" as used in this application should be construed in a broad sense to include any device employed to close two normally separated components of a handbag. For example, and without limitation, the term clasp specifically includes a rotatable bar, a snap, a zipper, and the like.

Various arrangements have beeen disclosed for providing audible alarm means for detecting unauthorized removal or opening of a purse or satchel, see Hoffman, et al. US. Pat. No. 1,1 16,276; Helmers No. 1,148,773; Edwards No. 1,266,568; Elmertoski No. 1,441,269; Edwards No. 1,465,466; Cooper No. 2,461,588; Kelch No. 2,538,101; and Dixon No. 3,701,140.

The teachings of these prior art patents applicable to purses are generally restricted to hinged purses. These patented structures are generally unsatisfactory for use with a majority of modern day handbags which employ a simple clasp, including a zipper, to effect closing. For example, Helmers US. Pat. No. 1,148,773 employs a contact bar connected to a hinge to engage contacts within the purse to complete an alarm circuit upon opening of the purse. Such an arrangement, aside from being limited to use with hinged purses, has a number of inherent disadvantages. Objects within the purse may lodge between the contacts and contact bar preventing completion of the alarm circuit. Further, sufficient weight within the purse may deflect the contacts sufficiently to prevent engagement by the contact bar.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved handbag alarm system.

it is a further object of the present invention to provide a handbag alarm system for handbags which are closed by a clasp.

it is a further object of the present invention to provide a handbag alarm system for handbags which are closed by a clasp without requiring modification in the construction or position of the clasp.

it is a still further object of the present invention to provide a handbag alarm system in which the activating switch means may be mounted so that the activating member extends externally of the handbag.

it is a still further object of the present invention to provide a handbag alarm system which is reliable in operation to provide a positive indication of pickpocketing of a handbag as well as possibly aiding in deterring the commission of this crime.

Other objects, aspects. and advantages of the present invention will be apparent when the detailed description is considered with the accompanying drawing.

Pickpocketing and related crimes have increased dramatically since 1965 and continue to account for a substantial cash loss. Women appear to be more often the victims than men, and many women, particularly elderly women. appear to be quite reluctant to travel about in urban areas because of their concern over being robbed.

The present invention is directed to reducing the high incidence of cash loss caused by handbag robbery by providing an alarm system for handbags which are closed by a clasp and includes a direct current source, an alarm, a deactivating on-oii switch, and a pressure responsive switch, all electrically connected in series.

The pressure responsive switch is normally held electrically open by the pressure exerted thereon by a component of the purse, e.g., a flap, which is closed by the clasp, or a portion of the clasp itself, e.g., a snap or the slidable coupling member of a zipper. The pressure responsive switch is closed to complete the circuit to the alarm upon removal of the force by opening the clasp. The on-off switch opens the circuit to the alarm so that the owner of the handbag may open the handbag without activating the alarm.

The present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention which may be used with a handbag, and having parts broken away for better illustration;

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial side view of another embodiment of the present invention which may be used with a handbag, and having parts broken away for better illustration; and

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of still another embodiment of the present invention which may be used with a handbag.

Referring to FIG. 1, the alarm system generally indicated at 10 is shown mounted on a handbag 12. The handbag 12 may generally be of any shape and includes a clasp 14 for closing the handbag l2 and maintaining it in a closed condition. The clasp 14 as shown includes a rotatable member 13 mounted on the sidewall 15 of the handbag l2 and dimensioned to be received by an aperture 16 of the mating member 18 mounted on the flap 19 to secure the flap 19 to the sidewall 15 of the handbag 12. (However, as previously noted, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to any particular form of clasp construction, but applies to any device which couples one component, as shown in FIG. 1, e.g., the flap, of the handbag 12 to another component, e.g., the side, and causes the exertion of sufficient pressure on the pressure responsive switch 20.)

A pressure responsive switch in the form of a push button switch 20 is mounted on the handbag 12 as shown in FIG. 2. its push button 22 extends externally from the sidewall 15. (However, if desired, the push button switch 20 may be mounted on one frame of a purse having side frames, e.g., of the type shown in Helmers US. Pat. No. 1,148,773, previously discussed.) The push button switch 20 is advantageously mounted on the sidewall 15 of the handbag 12 adjacent to clasp 14 for engagement of the push button 22 by the flap 19 when the clasp 14 is closed. The pressure exerted on the push button 22 by the flap 19 holds the push button 22 in a depressed position, so that the push button switch 20 is electrically open.

Referring also to FIG. 2, the alarm system 10 also includes a direct current battery 24, e.g., a 1.5 volt battery, mounted on a suitable support 26. An alarm buzzer 28 is mechanically coupled to the support 26 and has one terminal electrically connected to one terminal of the battery 24 via lead 30. The other terminal of the battery 24 is electrically connected to one terminal of the push button switch 20 via lead 34. The other terminal of the push button switch 20 is electrically connected to one terminal of an on-off switch 32 via lead 36. The other terminal of the on-ofi switch 32 is electrically connected to the other terminal of the alarm buzzer 28 via lead 38. Thus. a series circuit is formed which is activated and deactivated in response to the position of switches 20 and 32. The on-off switch 32 is mounted so that it is secreted from view, e.g., on the sidewall of the handbag 12 for covering by the flap 19 when the handbag 12 is closed. so that is is not easily located and deactivated by a robber.

To ready the alarm system 10, the owner of the handbag 12 closes the clasp 14 thereby depressing the push button 22 and opening the push button switch 20. The on-off switch 32 is closed by moving it to the on position. The alarm system 10 is now ready for activation. Opening of the clasp 14 without deactivating the on-ofi' switch 32 will release the depressed push button 22 causing the push-button switch to complete a circuit between the battery 24 and alarm buzzer 28, resulting in the emission of an audible sound from the alarm buzzer 28.

Referring to H6. 3, another embodiment of the pres ent invention is illustrated with a handbag 40 having a clasp 42 in the form of a snap which includes a projecting member 44 mounted on the flap 46 and a receiving member 48 mounted on the sidewall 50 of the handbag 40. The receiving member 48 includes an aperture 52 shaped to receive and retain the projecting member 44.

Advantageously, the push button 54 of the push button switch 56 may be positioned within the aperture 52 for engagement by the projecting member 44.

Upon closing the clasp 42 the push button 54 is engaged by the projecting member 44, causing depression of the push button 54 and opening of push button switch 56. Opening of the clasp 42 releases the projecting member 44 from engagement with the push button 54, causing the push button switch 56 to close.

The handbag 40 is shown as including an external compartment 58. With handbags having such external compartments, the battery 24, alarm 28, and on-off switch 32 may be advantageously positioned in the external compartment 58. Further, the battery 24, alarm 28, and on-off switch 32 may be afiixed to a hinged receptacle 60 dimensioned to fit within the external compartment 58 to provide a convenient carrying case and easy access to the components of the handbag alarm system housed therein while requiring a minimum of modification to the handbag 40.

Referring to FIG. 4. a further embodiment of the present invention is shown for use with a handbag 62 which is closed by a clasp 64 in the form of a zipper. A push button switch 66 having a pivotable arm member 68 is mounted on the handbag 62 adjacent the free ends of the spaced rows of teeth 70 and 72 of the zipper 64. (The other ends, not shown, of the rows of teeth 70 and 72 are joined in the conventional manner.) The pivotable arm member 68 is positioned between the rows of teeth 70 and 72 for engagement with and depression by the slidable coupling member 74 of the zipper 64 when the zipper 64 is closed. Depression of the pivotable arm member 68 opens the switch 66 and the circuit to the alann buzzer (not shown). Disengagement of the slidable coupling member 74 with the pivotable ann member 68, i.e., when the handbag 62 is opened. closes the switch 66 and the circuit to the alarm buzzer.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as described in the specification and defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An alarm system for handbags having a clasp means for closing same, comprising:

means mounted on said handbag to provide a source of direct current; alarm means mounted on said handbag and electrically connected to said direct current means;

deactivating switch means mounted on said handbag for interrupting the circuit from said direct current means to said alarm means; and

pressure responsive switch means mounted on a side wall of the handbag, said pressure responsive switch means having an external component extending outwardly from the side wall of the handbag, said external component being depressed upon the closing of the clasp means by the closing of the handbag to open the pressure responsive switch means and deactivate said alarm means, and said pressure responsive switch means closing to complete the circuit between said direct current means and said alarm means upon opening of the handbag, so that opening of the handbag without deactivating said deactivating switch means results in activation of said alarm means.

2. An alarm system as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said pressure responsive switch means is a push button switch which is mounted on the side wall of said handbag with the push button of said push button switch extending externally from the handbag.

3. An alarm system as claimed in claim 2 for handbags including a flap, wherein: a

said push button switch is mounted on the sidewall of the handbag adjacent the clasp means for engagement with the flap of the handbag when the clasp means are closed.

4. An alarm system as claimed in claim 3 wherein:

said deactivating switch means is mounted on the sidewall of the handbag adjacent the clasp means so that the flap overlies said deactivating switch means when the clasp means are closed.

5. An alarm system as claimed in claim 1 for handbags including a flap and said clasp means are in the form of a snap having a projecting member mounted on the flap of the handbag and a receiving member with an aperture mounted on the side wall of the handbag, wherein:

said pressure responsive means is a push button switch which is mounted on the side wall of the handbag with the push button of said push button switch positioned within the aperture of the receiving member for engagement by the projecting member when the snap is closed.

6. An alarm system as claimed in claim 1 for a handbag having said clasp means in the form of a zipper having aslidable coupling member and two spaced rows of teeth joined at one end and free at their other end. wherein:

said pressure responsive switch is mounted on the side wall of said handbag at the free end of the rows of teeth for engagement by the slidable coupling member of the zipper when the zipper is closed.

7. An alarm system as claimed in claim 6 wherein:

said pressure responsive switch includes a pivotable arm member for engagement with the slidable coupling member when the zipper is closed.

8. An alarm system for handbags which are closed by clasp means, comprising:

a battery mounted on said handbag to provide a source of direct current;

an alarm means mounted on said handbag electrically connected to said battery;

an on-off switch to activate and deactivate said battery in response to movement to the on and off positions, said on-off switch being mounted on the exterior of the handbag and secreted from view when the handbag is closed; and

a push button switch mounted on the side wall of the handbag and electrically connected to said battery,

whereby said alarm means is activated. 

1. An alarm system for handbags having a clasp means for closing same, comprising: means mounted on said handbag to provide a source of direct current; alarm means mounted on said handbag and electrically connected to said direct current means; deactivating switch means mounted on said handbag for interrupting the circuit from said direct current means to said alarm means; and pressure responsive switch means mounted on a side wall of the handbag, said pressure responsive switch means having an external component extending outwardly from the side wall of the handbag, said external component being depressed upon the cloSing of the clasp means by the closing of the handbag to open the pressure responsive switch means and deactivate said alarm means, and said pressure responsive switch means closing to complete the circuit between said direct current means and said alarm means upon opening of the handbag, so that opening of the handbag without deactivating said deactivating switch means results in activation of said alarm means.
 2. An alarm system as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said pressure responsive switch means is a push button switch which is mounted on the side wall of said handbag with the push button of said push button switch extending externally from the handbag.
 3. An alarm system as claimed in claim 2 for handbags including a flap, wherein: said push button switch is mounted on the sidewall of the handbag adjacent the clasp means for engagement with the flap of the handbag when the clasp means are closed.
 4. An alarm system as claimed in claim 3 wherein: said deactivating switch means is mounted on the sidewall of the handbag adjacent the clasp means so that the flap overlies said deactivating switch means when the clasp means are closed.
 5. An alarm system as claimed in claim 1 for handbags including a flap and said clasp means are in the form of a snap having a projecting member mounted on the flap of the handbag and a receiving member with an aperture mounted on the side wall of the handbag, wherein: said pressure responsive means is a push button switch which is mounted on the side wall of the handbag with the push button of said push button switch positioned within the aperture of the receiving member for engagement by the projecting member when the snap is closed.
 6. An alarm system as claimed in claim 1 for a handbag having said clasp means in the form of a zipper having a slidable coupling member and two spaced rows of teeth joined at one end and free at their other end, wherein: said pressure responsive switch is mounted on the side wall of said handbag at the free end of the rows of teeth for engagement by the slidable coupling member of the zipper when the zipper is closed.
 7. An alarm system as claimed in claim 6 wherein: said pressure responsive switch includes a pivotable arm member for engagement with the slidable coupling member when the zipper is closed.
 8. An alarm system for handbags which are closed by clasp means, comprising: a battery mounted on said handbag to provide a source of direct current; an alarm means mounted on said handbag electrically connected to said battery; an on-off switch to activate and deactivate said battery in response to movement to the on and off positions, said on-off switch being mounted on the exterior of the handbag and secreted from view when the handbag is closed; and a push button switch mounted on the side wall of the handbag and electrically connected to said battery, said alarm means, and said on-off switch; said push button switch being mounted so that its push button extends externally from the handbag for engagement with and depression by a component mounted on the side wall of the handbag when the clasp means are closed to normally interrupt the circuit between said alarm means, said battery, and said on-off switch; said push button switch completing the circuit to said alarm means and said battery, when said on-off switch is closed, upon opening of the clasp means, whereby said alarm means is activated. 